Our review

Our review of the BankSA Vertigo Credit CardReviewed by Yvonne Taylor

Looking for an uncomplicated credit card with a low ongoing purchase interest rate and an annual fee that won’t break the bank? You could have found it in the BankSA Vertigo Credit Card. It also has a tempting introductory offers in the shape of a very long zero-interest balance transfer.

Zero-interest balance transfer for 18 months

If you need to consolidate your debts, now is your chance. Or perhaps you just want to postpone paying for a major purchase made on your existing credit card? Either way, you’ll be a winner with this introductory offer. If you transferred a balance of $5,000 from a 20% p.a. card, you would save a massive $1,454 in interest costs during the subsequent 18 months.

This benefit is slightly reduced by the $100 you would first have to pay in the form of a 1% balance transfer fee.

Avoid the revert interest rate

The revert rate – the interest rate you’ll pay on the unpaid balance if you leave it on the card longer than 18 months – is the very high ongoing cash advance interest rate of 21.49% p.a. You’ll want to avoid paying it if at all possible. Make a diary note of the offer expiry date, at which point you will need to find a way of refinancing your debt at a lower interest rate if you are unable to pay it back.

Low 13.24% p.a. ongoing purchase rate

Once the balance transfer offer has expired, the low ongoing purchase rate of 13.24% p.a. is the feature that is going to make you want to retain this card. While you may consider the purchase rate irrelevant because you plan to make prompt and full monthly repayments, it’s impossible to predict what the future may hold in the way of temporary financial problems.

Even if you overlook the payment due date occasionally and end up paying interest on your balance for two months, paying 13.24% p.a. is a whole lot better than shelling out 20% p.a. or more.

55 days interest-free . . .

Although it’s a low rate card, BankSA haven’t stinted on the interest-free days – the period between the date of your purchase and the date on which you have to pay for them if you want to avoid interest charges. If you buy something at the beginning of the monthly billing cycle you’ll enjoy 55 days without payment or interest. Purchases made at the end of the cycle will be free of interest for only 24 or 25 days.

Some credit cards offer only 44 days interest-free, so enjoying 55 days on a low rate card is a bonus.

. . . provided there’s no balance transfer

If you choose to carry an unpaid balance transfer on your account, you won’t be able to take advantage of the ongoing 55 days interest free. Having any unpaid balance on your account nullifies the standard monthly interest-free days.

You would be wise to have another card on hand to use for purchases during the 18 months that the balance transfer remains on your card.

Security and convenience

The card comes with 24/7 Falcon¨ÊFraud monitoring to detect any suspicious transactions on your card.

The card is also Visa payWave enabled for fast, convenient contactless transactions under $100. In addition, you can sign up for Verified by Visa, which provides an extra level of security for online shopping in the form of a one-time PIN.

Optional SMS alerts advising balances, deposits, withdrawals, payment due dates and other transactions allow you to monitor your account activity on the go.

The right card for you?

There’s no doubt that this is a minimalist card. It has no rewards points or complimentary insurance. But if you regard these as an unnecessary annoyance that you don’t want to pay for, the BankSA Vertigo Credit Card’s low interest rate on purchases, moderate ongoing annual fee and attractive balance transfer offer could prove to be just the right combination for your lifestyle and spending habits.

User reviews

3.4 out of 5.0 based on 8 reviews75% of reviewers would recommend this card

Rates and fees

Rewards

Customer service

Convenience

Trust

Reviews from users

Good everyday card

Reviewed and recommended by Karina on 03 Jul 2016

The BankSA Vertigo credit card is a good everyday card with a low annual fee and I would highly recommend it to everyday users. If you pay your card off each month, then you don’t get charged interest. This means you can purchase something and depend have up to 49 days to pay for it.

Good interest rate

Reviewed and recommended by Angie on 02 Jul 2016

When I compared other interest rates, this card worked out cheaper. However, it carries an annual fee which is annoying when so many credit cards don’t any more. I have been looking for another credit card because of this. I usually pay my balance off each month so it works out, but at the moment I’m being hit with interest which is a money drain!

Comes in handy now and again

Reviewed and recommended by Tom on 30 Aug 2016

The BankSA Vertigo Credit Card has a relatively low interest rate and is perfect for making purchases with the safety of the 55-day interest-free period. It’s easy to keep on top of expenses, but the trade off is that there are hardly any extra benefits. It is yet to let me down.

I totally love my credit card!

Reviewed and recommended by Denise on 20 Sep 2016

Definitely the best credit card I’ve had, and I have used it for many years. I love shopping anywhere and everywhere without having the rates and added hidden fees. Love it love it love it! It’s my security card when I need it the most. I trust it with all my heart.

I save a lot of money with this card

Reviewed and recommended by Nikita on 28 Sep 2015

I have had my BankSA Vertigo low interest card for many years now as it is very beneficial with the very low interest rate. I save lots of money. With this card I have also received balance transfer offers with no interest for a certain period, which I have used and saved thousands! Love my card.

Addictive!

Reviewed and recommended by Christina on 12 Jun 2015

At the beginning the credit card was easy to maintain and pay off, but I have extended many times and am finding it hard to keep on top of! It’s not the card so much, but myself allowing it to get out of control and maxing out my limit too much.

Too expensive, bad service

Reviewed and not recommended by Ebi Riemer on 21 Jul 2015

I found BankSA to be not very user-friendly and restricted usage – whilst overseas the card did not work in all ATMs and the entire credit limit could not be used as expected. Bear in mind that my credit limit was $600, which is too low to be called credit – it should be in the $1000 range. I’m going to change to a different bank soon.

Fair go?

Reviewed and not recommended by help required on 11 Aug 2013

They were good at the start and when I got into trouble they didn’t want to know about it. I wanted to combine my cards and make it easier for me but they refused. They were quick to give out the cards but not to assist. Fair go – help australians.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed about credit cards are the reviewer's alone, and do not reflect the views of Credit Card Compare or the credit card issuer. Reviews have not been approved or otherwise endorsed by Credit Card Compare.

Minimum criteria for this card

What you need before applying

You have your personal details ready to complete the online application

Have not applied for multiple credit cards recently

Joint applications are allowed

Age Pension,
Disability Pension and
Widower's Pension
are acceptable.

Family Tax Benefits and Parenting Payments
is acceptable.

Austudy,
Carer's Allowance,
Child Support Payments and
Foster Care Allowance
are not acceptable.

Disclaimer: The minimum criteria pointers are intended only to be a guide. Your application may still be rejected by the bank even if you can answer 'Yes' to all the minimum criteria. The final decision regarding your application is up to the bank.